Saturday, July 2, 2011

ALOE VERA CURRY (Rajasthani)

Aloevera plant is well known for its medicinal properties.These days it is found in health and cosmetic products.Ever thought that it could be used as a vegetable too.In Rajasthan it is known as GawarPatha and a curry is made with its pulp.This recipe is quite close to the Rajasthani one, but I have not used mustard oil which is generally used in Rajasthan for cooking and I have added a couple of ingredients which I thought give a better taste to the curry.

Ingredients:

Aloe vera leaves ..... 2

Red chilli powder ... 1/2 tsp.

Coriander powder .... 1 tsp.

Asafoetida ............... a pinch

Fenugreek seeds ..... 1/2 tsp.

Aniseeds ................ 1/2 tsp.

Amchoor powder .... 1/2 tsp.

Jaggery .................. 1/2 tsp.( a small piece)

Black cardamom ...... 1

Star anise ............... 1

Cinnamon stick ....... 1 inch piece.

Tomato puree ........... 1 tbsp.

Yogurt ..................... 1 tbsp.

Salt ................... to taste.

Oil

Method:

1. Peel and cut the aloe vera leaves into cubes.

2. Boil them for 2-3 minutes with salt. Drain and set aside.

3. In a pan heat a little oil and add the whole spices.Now add the asafoetida, red chilli powder,jaggery, salt and coriander powder. Add a little water and put the aloe vera cubes.Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Mix the beaten yogurt to the curry and keep stirring on medium flame for 1-2 minutes.